Hockey Ad Network

Friday, August 9, 2013

BRECLAV, Czech Republic -- Four different U.S. players scored goals and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic
(Parma, Ohio) made 23 saves to help the U.S. Under-18 Select Team
defeat the Czech Republic, 5-3, in the semifinals of the 2013 Ivan
Hlinka Memorial Tournament today.

"The guys really dug down deep to get the win," head coach Bob Corkum
said. "It was really hot and humid in the arena, but they battled
through everything and got the job done when it mattered. Now it's
important for them to get rest and fluids with the quick turnaround, and
then we'll get ready for tomorrow."

After an early first-period goal gave the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead, Jake Wahlin (St. Paul, Minn.) took a drop pass from Cody Milan (White Lake, Mich.) and placed a shot between Czech goaltender Vic Vanecek and the post to knot the score at 9:49. Then, eight minutes later, Team USA took the lead when Nick Schmaltz (Verona, Wis.) scored on a shot through traffic just after a power play ended to give the U.S. a 2-1 edge at intermission.

The Czech Republic responded with a
goal early in the middle frame, but Schmaltz helped the U.S. regain a
one-goal advantage two minutes later. As the Czech Republic tried to
clear its own zone, Schmaltz intercepted a pass and beat Vanecek for his
second goal of the contest.

Ryan Wagner (Park
Ridge, Ill.) broke a 3-3 midway through the third period when he got
behind the Czech Republic defense and tallied the game-winning goal.
Milan added an empty-netter to cap the scoring.

The U.S. will play Canada in tomorrow's championship game at 11:00 a.m. ET
in Piestany, Slovakia. It marks the ninth time in Ivan Hlinka Memorial
Tournament history that the U.S. has played for the championship, and is
the first appearance for the United States in the title game since
2010.